Farmers must be aware of what cover their insurance policy provides - particularly in the event of a farm theft incident, independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has warned.

He was speaking in the wake of a spate of thefts on farms, particularly in Co. Galway of late, of farm machinery, trailers, power tools and garden machinery.

Commenting on this, the Roscommon-Galway TD said: “It is very important that farmers are completely aware of what their farm insurance covers.

“There have been a worrying number of reports of farm machinery, particularly trailers, being stolen of late – with power tools and garden machinery also commonly taken.

“For peace of mind, I would encourage farmers to approach their insurance providers and find out exactly what their policy covers.”

Hitting out at the increase in farm theft incidents, deputy Fitzmaurice added: “Farmers and people living in rural Ireland need to continue looking out for one another and report any suspicious activity in their area to the Gardaí.

“It is very sad that every farm gate or shed door now needs to be locked tight for fear of items being stolen.

Noting that, on one particular recent night in Galway, one jeep was used to steal two trailers, he added:

“It appears as if gangs are targeting rural Ireland and, in some cases, using the motorway to disappear into the darkness – making it extremely difficult for the Gardaí to track and trace the stolen items."

Continuing, the TD said:

“Putting distinguishable marks on machinery and trailers is recommended, as well as being part of the local community watch groups who often circulate information of suspicious activity in an area.

“A regular Garda presence and community engagement are needed to thwart these thieves, who are cherry picking items which people have worked hard to purchase,” he concluded.